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Treatment is aimed at maximizing use of the hand and arm. The cause should be identified and treated as appropriate. In some cases, no treatment is required and recovery is spontaneous.
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If there is no history of trauma to the area, conservative treatment is indicated by sudden onset, minimal sensation changes, and the lack of difficulty in movement, added to the absence of test results indicating degeneration of the nerve axon. In this case, the use of a supportive splint or elbow pads may be effective in preventing further injury.
Corticosteroids injected into the area may reduce swelling and pressure on the nerve.
Surgical intervention is indicated if the disorder is chronic, symptoms are worsening, movement is difficult, or if there is evidence that the nerve axon is degenerating. Surgical decompression may be recommended if the symptoms are from entrapment of the nerve. Surgical removal of lesions that press on the nerve may be of benefit.
CONTROL OF SYMPTOMS:
Over-the-counter analgesics or prescription pain medications may be needed to control pain (neuralgia). Other medications may reduce stabbing pains, including gabapentin, phenytoin, carbamazepine, or tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline. Whenever possible, use of medications should be avoided or minimized to reduce the risk of medication side effects.
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